Salt Lake Sale Talk

I know this news came down yesterday but I just never got the time to talk about it until this morning. Funny how only a couple days before RSL’s big conference final in Chicago the big news surrounding the club isn’t an injury to a key player or anything like that but the pending sale of 49% of the team to a local businessman from current owner Dave Checketts.

Dell Loy Hansen is the guy looking to buy the minority share of the club, which could be a good thing since it will easily keep things going well in Salt Lake. A real estate developer/owner, Hansen has stated that he intends to brand his various properties with RSL colors and gear and use his residential space to house RSL players. Not a bad idea considering some of those players only earn around $14,000 a year.

The deal has yet to be confirmed, and would require approval from the lending parties involved and MLS. We also have no idea the total value of the club just yet but when you throw in this new stadium that the club plays at the value may be higher than some MLS clubs.

I think the important part in all of this is the fact that we know RSL is not going to go anywhere because of this sale. Hansen has already been in and around the locker room and with the team for a couple weeks now according to some reports.

ajr

I just love the fact that a owner will be in state

ajr

I just love the fact that a owner will be in state

Jeff Ginn

I met with him personally a few weeks ago. I coach his daughter. He is a good guy. This is going to pay off because he is thinking big… marketing, branding, etc. I am very excited for a local to buy in to the future of the MLS. RSL will have more time to develop a more passionate following without feeling pressured to keep afloat. This is good news for all involved with the development of soccer in the state of Utah.

I met with him personally a few weeks ago. I coach his daughter. He is a good guy. This is going to pay off because he is thinking big… marketing, branding, etc. I am very excited for a local to buy in to the future of the MLS. RSL will have more time to develop a more passionate following without feeling pressured to keep afloat. This is good news for all involved with the development of soccer in the state of Utah.